Summer is here, and that means people across San Diego County are hitting the pool to cool off from the heat. The Sheriff’s Department wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone, especially children, about the importance of pool safety. Knowing the basics can not only save your life, but that of someone else in the event of an emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four. Drownings and injuries are highest in warm weather months from May to August. There are simple steps you can take to protect your family when you’re in and around a pool: • Keep children within arm’s reach always • Have someone monitor the pool at all times • Fence your pool with self-closing or self-latching gates • Install pool and gate alarms • Don’t get into a pool unless you know how to swim • Learn CPR To watch a video featuring Simon the Safety Bloodhound give some important pool safety tips, go to: http://www.sdsheriff.net/simon/video-pool.html. For more safety videos from Simon the Safety Bloodhound Puppet, just visit his website at: www.sdsheriff.net/simon.

Summer is here. We will all take advantage of the sunny weather to do outdoor projects, take our families to fun places, relax and keep cool. For criminals, however, it is a very busy time of year.

It can be easy to forget to close a door or window, but if they are left open it creates an easy opportunity for a burglar. Criminals focus on easy targets; make it difficult for them to choose you. The Palomar College Police Department wants to remind you of some tips to keep yourself, your family, your home and your valuables safe.

AT HOME

-Always lock your doors and windows especially at night and when you’re away

-Close your garage and pet doors

-Secure ladders and tools so they can’t be used to gain entry into your home

-Be wary of anyone who approaches your front door and don’t let them take up too much of your time. Criminals work together; one will come to your door and distract you while the other sneaks into your home. Ask for an ID of a utility person.

-Be a good neighbor, lookout for one another.

-Excessive dog barking could be a sign of an intruder and may warrant a call to your local police department (911).

WHEN GOING ON VACATION

–Lock up your home, activate your alarm

-Don’t broadcast your plans on social media

-Hold the delivery of your mail and newspaper or ask a trusted friend to pick them up for you